Babylon: The acting governor of Babylon, Alaa al-Araji, received a United Nations delegation headed by the Under-Secretary-General for Operational Support, Atul Khare, at the Babylon Tourist Resort. They discussed several shared issues, most notably Iraq’s regional role and prospects for future cooperation.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Khare praised the local government’s efforts in reconstruction, development, combating violent extremism, and e-governance, in addition to its significant role in serving and securing pilgrims traveling to the holy city of Karbala. He emphasized the UN mission’s desire to strengthen cooperation with Babylon Governorate.

For his part, al-Araji welcomed the visiting delegation, affirming that Babylon represents a vital strategic center, qualifying it to be a cultural showcase for Iraq. He noted that it receives millions of local visitors annually, along with visitors of various nationalities, during the Arba’een pilgrimage to Karbala.

Al-Araji expressed the local government’s readiness to enhance cooperation with the international mission in economic, agricultural, and industrial development. He also commended the organization’s role in supporting Iraq in combating terrorism and supporting the political process and elections.